Vacchagotta Sutta

1. Vacchagotta Sutta.– A conversation between the Buddha and the wanderer (paribbājaka)Vacchagotta. Vacchagotta asks, and the Buddha explains, why, unlike the various wanderers, the Buddha does not say whether the world is eternal or not, or make various similar statements. Vacchagotta puts the same question to Mahā-Moggallāna and receives the same answer. Vacchagotta expresses his admiration of the fact that teacher and pupil should agree so closely. S.iv.395 f; cp. S.iii.257 f.

2. Vacchagotta Sutta.– The wanderer Vacchagotta asks the Buddha if it is true that the Buddha discourages the giving of alms to other than his own followers. The Buddha says that, in his eyes, even pot scorings or dregs from cups thrown into a pool or cesspool, to feed the creatures living there, would be a source of merit. However, gifts made to the good are more fruitful than those made to the wicked. The good are those who have abandoned lust, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness, and doubt. A.i.160 f.